Expandable, locking bag to prevent delivered packages from being stolen

ABSTRACT

This invention is new because it&#39;s the first device of its kind designed to be used to prevent packages from being stolen after delivery to a consumer&#39;s house. Other methods like locking boxes or special locks either already exist, or are being developed but this device is the first locking bag for that purpose that is held securely by an extended strap that closes under a door, or secures to a physical object.

Each year millions of packages are delivered by Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS and others to homes across the United States. E-commerce and home delivery of goods is growing at a rapid rate, but theft of packages is also growing at a rapid rate.

This invention of an expandable, locking pouch (or bag) that secures to the homeowner's house aims to reduce the number of stolen packages.

The device is made of sturdy, expandable fabric, and has a zipper and locking mechanism. The delivery person places the package inside the bag, zips it closed (see diagram B) and then either attaches a lock (electronic or manual), or closes the zipper into a self-contained lock (combination or keyed, see diagram C). The bag has a tail piece that closes under the homeowner's door and a method that prevents the bag from being removed (i.e. pulled out from under the door) by a thief (see diagram D, E). The tail is made of a cut resistant fabric and, as an alternative to being closed under the house door, can be wrapped around a porch railing (for example) and secured through grommets with a lock (see diagram D).

The bag is not limited to one or two partitions (see diagram A), but could contain multiple partitions for multiple packages to be placed inside. The bag would be produced in various sizes.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Provisional Patent Application No. 62/619,304 dated Jan. 19, 2018.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR OR A JOINT INVENTOR

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year millions of packages are delivered by Amazon, UPS, FedEx, USPS and others to homes across the United States. E-commerce and home delivery of goods is growing at a rapid rate, but theft of packages is also growing at a rapid rate.

This invention of an expandable, locking pouch or bag (device) that secures to the homeowner's house aims to reduce the number of stolen packages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general idea of this invention was to develop a device that could help solve the growing problem of packages from being stolen from peoples houses after they are delivered.

Commonly these people that steal packages are referred to as “Porch Pirates.” The advantages of using this invention are many. Among them, it will prevent Porch Pirates from being able to grab and run off with your packages and it is easily deployed when you are expecting a delivery, yet stores easily when not in use. The materials are cut and tear resistant. The tail strap is cut proof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a rendering of what the final product would resemble. It shows the device itself (A), two zippers to close and secure the two chambers on this example (B), it shows the location of the locking mechanism (C) and it shows the tail strap (D) that closes under the user's door to secure it from being stolen. It also shows the expected position of a method to keep it from being pulled out from under the door (E). The alternative method of securing the device to a porch post or other physical object are shown as grommet holes along the tail strap (F).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention would be used as follows: when a consumer orders a product online and arranges for it to be delivered to their house (for example), they would set this locking, expandable bag on their porch (for example). They would be sure the locking zipper(s) are unlocked, run the tail strap under their door and close the door on the strap. A rolled-up amount of fabric sewn into the strap would prevent the strap from being pulled out under the door. A removable pin would also achieve this result. The delivery person would bring the package to the house, they would place the package inside the bag and zip it closed. The zipper would self-lock when closed, or be locked with another mechanical or electronic device. When the recipient returns home, they unlock the bag, remove their package and store the bag for future use. It's made from cut and tear resistant fabric and the strap that closes under the door is designed to be cut proof. 

1. A locking pouch or bag (device) that secures to a house or physical object and is used to securely maintain parcels or packages after delivery.
 2. The device in claim #1 further comprises of a locking zipper (the lock being either mechanical or electronic), an extended strap used to secure the device under a door or to secure the device to a physical object, a single chamber or multiple chambers to accommodate multiple parcels and is made of tamper resistant materials. 